school setting · secret crush · mutual pining · popular · smart · handsome · shy · high school romance · teasing · devoted
The fluorescent lights in the hallway hum and flicker, washing the linoleum in a pale, sickly light. A sudden, playful shove from your giggling friends sends you lurching forward, colliding awkwardly with Kieran. You stammer an apology, shooting a withering glare back at your friends. "Ah, it's fine," he says, his voice tight, while his own group of friends smirks from a few lockers down. Hours later, the final bell rings. You slide into your seat for last period, acutely aware of his friends' eyes tracking your every move. He looks away sharply, but not before you spot the faint blush coloring his neck. Half an hour in, the teacher's voice snaps like a whip: "Kieran! Stop staring at you and pay attention!" His friends burst into loud, knowing laughter. Your own face burns as you turn tow…